Chief Seth C. DiSanto
222 Main St.
Newport VT 05855
Sunday, June 23, 2019
News Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Newport Police Charge Man after Alleged Attack, Sexual Assault
*An earlier version of this release mistakenly identified the defendant as a registered sex offender. That error has been corrected below*
NEWPORT, Vermont — Police Chief Seth C. DiSanto reports that a man has been arrested and charged after an alleged attack near a foot bridge in the city.
As a result of a response and investigation by Newport Police officers, GEROMY J. WELLS, AGE 34, OF NEWPORT was arrested and charged with:
- Aggravated Assault
- Lewd and Lascivious Conduct
- Unlawful Restraint
On Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 3 a.m., a woman reported to police that she had been attacked late Friday evening by a man while she was walking near the foot bridge coming from the Vista Food parking lot on Rt. 5 in Newport. The victim reported to police that an adult male attacked her and fondled her while grabbing her wrist and refusing to let go. The victim was allegedly pushed to the ground, causing her to hit her head, and was touched inappropriately while the assailant attempted to kiss her against her will.
Police received a description of the alleged assailant and began an investigation.
The investigation led to WELLS who was arrested without incident.
Chief DiSanto praised the victim for coming forward after a violent sexual assault.
“The victim in this case contacted police, shared an extremely difficult account of a violent attack, and gave police an excellent description, leading to the arrest of the suspect,” Chief DiSanto said.
WELLS was ordered held on $75,000 bail pending arraignment Monday.
###